—– Says, sustainable peace can only be achieved when security operations are people-centred and economically conscious.
A Public Affairs Analyst and Member, Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Emeka Odom, made this known on Tuesday, 27th January, 2026, while speaking on a topic “One Week Closure Of Onitsha Main Market By Governor Soludo: A Periscopic Analysis,” on the programme, Political Conversations on Freedom Square TV, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
Odom advised the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to prioritize security and public reassurance rather than actions that may be perceived as intimidation, following the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
He acknowledged the constitutional responsibility of the government to protect lives and property but warned that excessive militarisation of civilian spaces could worsen public anxiety and disrupt economic activities.
According to him, “ the governor himself is talking very tough quite frankly, it is regrettably so and I can tell you with every sense of responsibility. For me I do not expect the governor to speak in that manner, this is a democratically elected governor, that is number one. The implication is that the governor said that if by next Monday, the traders did not open their shops that he will extend it to one month and if they continue to be adamant as I read in one of the blogs, that he will bring bulldozers to bring down the market. For me that is unnecessary bragado that is not needed. The governor is elected to serve the people and for anybody who understands the socio-economic nature of Anambra State, it is a market oriented State. So whatever thing you are doing in Anambra State, you must factor in traders.”
“Your action is military — your duty is to provide security, not intimidation,” Odom stated, stressing that markets are the lifeblood of Anambra’s economy and should be protected with sensitivity and strategic intelligence rather than forceful shutdowns.
“The security agents that are stationed in the market currently. How come before now they were not deployed on Mondays in the market? Why can’t they investigate and find people behind the sit at home threats and deal with the issue,” Odom questioned.
He noted that the Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest commercial centres in West Africa, sustains thousands of traders and families, adding that prolonged closure without transparent communication could erode trust between the government and citizens.
Odom urged Governor Soludo to adopt intelligence-driven security measures, strengthen community policing, and engage market leaders and stakeholders before taking drastic decisions that affect livelihoods.
While calling for calm, Odom also appealed to residents to support lawful security efforts and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, stressing that inclusive dialogue and reassurance would yield better cooperation from traders and residents.
The Anambra State Government has yet to issue a detailed response to the concerns raised, as traders and residents await clarity on the reopening of the market and the long-term security strategy for the commercial city.